Rwandan President, Paul Kagame has declared his intention to run for a fourth term in the elections coming up next year.

Kagame who has ruled over the country with an iron fist for decades, made this known in an interview on Tuesday.

“I am pleased with the confidence that Rwandans have placed in me. I will always serve them, as long as I can,” the 65-year-old said

The Rwandan government in March decided to synchronise the dates for its parliamentary and presidential elections, which are due to be held in August next year.

Kagame, prior to this time did make his intentions clear, but presided over controversial constitutional amendments in 2015 that allowed him to run for more terms and stay in power until 2034.

Kagame became president in April 2000 and returned to office with more than 90 percent of the vote in elections in 2003, 2010 and 2017. 

While Rwanda lays claim to being one of the most stable countries in Africa, rights groups accuse Kagame of ruling in a climate of fear, stifling dissent and free speech.

By Chioma Kalu, Arise News